Just Axe-Ing A Question....?

[Spungle]

Has anyone else noticed the growing phenomenon of people who seem unable to pronounce the word "ask"? They instead say, "Ax".

I noticed it a couple of years back in songs, (often by the young black American community) where it happens "Ax me a question...." Then I notice an increase of youngsters, often in Essex, who are doing the same, so clearly not limited to the US black community. I also notice that Lauren "Face Bovvered" does it too. Why?

Where did it start? Is it new, or did I only just notice?! Can they not actually pronounce "ask" or are they doing it intentionally? Or do they really think that's how it's pronounced?

Just axe-ing!

[THECORBYLOON]

HOPKIRK, it's better than Duran Duran's "Where is all you angels now the figureheads have fell" (sic)

[KARL]

Ax instead of ask is not widespread but relatively common among the ethnically West African, it is not confined to them. Sick instead of six is becoming very widespread among the English, as in sickth instead of sixth. An additional voiced R in words such as in drawring instead of drawing or lore and order instead of law and order has become quite widespread among the English and, to my knowledge is exclusive to them. A written but silent R is inserted by some English (but utterly confounds those who expect it to be pronounced) into words to denote a long vowel preceding it. Some people insist there are no rules, no standard form, of the English language and that you can effectively make up your own at will.

[THECORBYLOON]

I don't speak or write in standard English. If someone had been on a night out I'd ask, "What like a night had you?" That's because my parents were Aberdonian and I use the Aberdonian word order but in English.

[Spungle]

Thankyou for the very interesting and informative replies- I find it fascinating to try and understand the origin of words and phrases- although there are many that irritate me, being from Lancashire, I also use many words and phrases which are local and parochial. It's interesting how we often instantly associate the spoken word with one's perceived education- It is very refreshing to hear local and regional accents used in the House of Commons rather than the banal RP- Angela Rayner MP is a great example, although she was branded "thick as mince" simply because of her northern tones. On the Tory side, I always enjoyed listening to the Yorkshire brogue of Eric Pickles, a gentle and soft yet clearly Yorkshire "no-nonsense" accent. He doesn't pronounce his own surname, and introduces himself as "Eric Pittles".

[Spungle]

Jacob Rees-Mogg, Tory grandee, and Jess Philips, Labour MP, in the same car! What a wonderful blend of accents here!

[Souldarkness]

I think people spend too much time worrying how people speak and not enough worrying about what they do.

[bainbrig]

Souldarkness. Spot on, friend, spot on.

[zebo]

I recall 'aks' being said in the NW by people with avery broad Lancashire accent, my Aunt certainly said it. We also had a 'chimbley'.

[Jackdaw33]

This old Geordie song uses 'ax'.

http://www.buswell.co.uk/music/neighbou.htm

[tonyav]

I have noticed over the years that West Indians say axe instead of ask also tree instead of three.

[Mamyalynne]

Still hear 'Ax' here occasionally - certainly isn't new either.

https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2013/12/03/248515217/why-chaucer-said-ax-instead-of-ask-and-why-some-still-do?t=1540073324833

[Theland]

Is dat wot yer fink? Only axing!

[Theland]

Innit?

[ToraToraTora]

it's some weird thing like saying hey instead of hi. Probably American. Another annoying one is "acrut" instead of accurate! aaarrrgghh!

[ToraToraTora]

PS like the avatar spungle.